THE number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wirral has continued to fall, according to new figures which show unemployment at an eight-year low nationally.

The Office for National Statistics say 2,128 claimed the benefit in December, compared to 2,257 the previous month.

Employment has reached a record 31.3 million, a rate of 74%, increasing by more than half a million over the past year.

Employment minister Priti Patel said: "This is a record-breaking set of figures and has got 2016 off to a fantastic start.

"There are now more people in work than ever before and wages are growing - a credit to hard-working Brits and businesses alike.

"And in a further demonstration of the strength of the UK labour market, today's figures show there are a record three-quarters of a million vacancies.

"We will build on this throughout the coming year - doubling childcare for working parents and introducing the new National Living Wage - ensuring that everyone has increased financial security and the opportunity to get on and succeed in life."